Wednesday, October 27, 2010

How to Live with Acceptance and Friendship Every Day

Later on today, I am visiting some friends who have a baby daughter of 3 months old.

When I first met their newly born baby a few weeks ago, I wondered what sort of future world she could look forward to.

At the time it struck me that the only thing we can do for a child is be the best role model for them and create as loving and caring a home environment as we possibly can.

Then recently in an old journal, I came across a poem by Amanda Cater, which sums up beautifully what it takes to bring up a child.

The poem is called “If a Chid”:-

• If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn• If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight• If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy• If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty• If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient• If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident• If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate• If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice• If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith• If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself• If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

It is many years since I last read this, and somehow it seems more poignant and meaningful today. It makes more sense to me today as I guess I am in a different space and perhaps more grounded.

Also, over the intervening years I have been blessed with numerous nephews and nieces and I have done a lot of work with the children at Nirvana School.

The above words ring so true for today’s world – and yet they are much more universal and not just for children.

These wise words in their simplicity offer us a way of living with each other.

Imagine how all of our relationships would change instantly, if we refrained from criticism, hostility, ridicule and shame.

So from today, get committed to live with tolerance, encouragement, praise, fairness, security and approval.
Most importantly I feel we should live with acceptance and friendship.

By treating every other human being with acceptance and friendship, all the other things will follow too.

From today, be prepared to be amazed by how much all your relationships improve as you apply Amanda Cater’s words in your life.

Please share below your experience of applying the simple principles above. And of course add your own suggestions too – no need to be shy:-)